The Cone of Learning is a figure that illustrates the efficiency of audio-visual and other learning techniques. Learning techniques considered less efficient are closer to the top of the cone. According to Holt, Rinehart and Winston (1969), who developed the figure, the closer learning techniques are to the bottom of the cone, the higher is the amount of actually obtained knowledge.
An Example: The Wiki Classroom
The wiki classroom itself would be at the bottom of the cone as it requires students to do "the real thing."
Conclusions
The Cone of Learning is based on the idea that knowledge is not imposed on learners but rather constructed by themselves. This way, learning is a process that is based on active learner involvement and participation. According to the cone, teaching should come up for the demands of the learners by enabling and supporting their active involvement.
Criticism
As knowledge is constructed differently in every learner's mind, learners must be encouraged to obtain knowledge in accordance with their preferred learning methods. The Cone of Learning can be seen as a simplification that does not account for the variety of the learners.
Cone of Learning
The Cone of Learning is a figure that illustrates the efficiency of audio-visual and other learning techniques. Learning techniques considered less efficient are closer to the top of the cone. According to Holt, Rinehart and Winston (1969), who developed the figure, the closer learning techniques are to the bottom of the cone, the higher is the amount of actually obtained knowledge.
An Example: The Wiki Classroom
The wiki classroom itself would be at the bottom of the cone as it requires students to do "the real thing."
Conclusions
The Cone of Learning is based on the idea that knowledge is not imposed on learners but rather constructed by themselves. This way, learning is a process that is based on active learner involvement and participation. According to the cone, teaching should come up for the demands of the learners by enabling and supporting their active involvement.
Criticism
As knowledge is constructed differently in every learner's mind, learners must be encouraged to obtain knowledge in accordance with their preferred learning methods. The Cone of Learning can be seen as a simplification that does not account for the variety of the learners.